Goñi personally welcomed Marcos accompanied by city officials including Vice Mayor Miguel Real, Provincial Board Member Jed Goñi and Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Joemarie Badoy. They then proceeded to the city hall where a huge crowd was waiting for them.

Apart from Mayor Goñi, Tanjay City Mayor Lawrence Teves, accompanied by his city officials, also arrived in Bais to welcome Marcos to the province of Negros Oriental.

The Teveses belong to an influential and affluent sugar family in Negros Oriental. Bais is the province’s largest sugar producer.

Thanking the residents of Bais for their warm welcome, Marcos urged them to support his campaign for national unity saying it is the only way the country can surmount the many difficulties it faces.

On his send-off, Goñi told Marcos that she is hoping that when he goes back to Bais, he is already the country’s vice president. Marcos responded by saying he will if it is God’s will and the will of the people.

After Bais, Marcos proceeded to Bayawan City where he was received by another family member, third district Rep. Henry “Pryde” Teves. Teves said he was supporting his candidacy.

Local officials also hosted Marcos in Bayawan and vowed to help him win. Marcos also spoke to hundreds of Bayawan students who had gathered to welcome him.